International studies

NFER and international comparative surveys
NFER was a founder member of the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). The Foundation manages testing for England's participation in IEA surveys, and also contributes to the development of the assessments used.

IEA web site

NFER international home
More on the international work we do.

NFER assessment
More about our work in assessment.

International assessment studies

Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS)
TIMSS is a worldwide research project which takes place every four years. It provides data about trends in mathematics and science achievement over time. As in previous years, NFER was the National Research Centre for TIMSS in England and Scotland in 2006 The next TIMSS survey will take place in 2011.

Progress in Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS)
This rigorous international survey takes place every five years, comparing the reading attainment and attitudes to reading of over 200,000 9- and 10-year-old children in 41 countries. NFER administers PIRLS in England Scotland, and is involved in the development of the assessments used. The next PIRLS survey wil take place in 2011.

OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (OECD PISA)
OECD PISA is the world's biggest international education survey, involving schools and students in over 50 countries. It assesses the knowledge and skills of 15-year-olds as they approach the end of compulsory education. NFER is currently administering the participation of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in the 2009 survey.

The International Civic and Citizenship Education Study (ICCS)
ICCS involves nearly 40 countries worldwide, and represents a once-in-a-decade opportunity to investigate young people’s awareness and views of the role of the citizen in local, national and international contexts. The survey in took place in 2009, administered in England by NFER. Findings from the study (at national and internatinal level) will be available here in summer 2010.